Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and the Chicago Department of Family Support and Services (DFSS) on Tuesday celebrated their collaborative efforts to streamline program administration across city agencies and ensure equitable access to high-quality Early Childhood Learning (ECL) programming for families of young children. The collaborative effort led to an updated Chicago Early Learning application portal that expands early learning options to prenatal mothers and families with children from zero to five years of age. Preschool programming are now available in 64 of the 77 Chicago communities with a goal of reaching every neighborhood by 2023.  Regardless of a family’s address, every four-year-old in the city now has access to free preschool.

Parents can apply online at www.chicagoearlylearning.org or by dialing the Chicago Early Learning (CEL) hotline at (312) 229-1690. Individuals with limited internet access can also apply in person at a school, an early learning center, or one of the city’s six Community Service Centers.  No preschool application will ask for proof of citizenship. CPS also provides access to Family Resource Centers for all Chicago families seeking more information or in-person support from staff on preschool enrollment and applications. Families can book an appointment here or call the Chicago Early Learning Hotline at (312) 229-1690. Individual schools and Community-Based Organizations can also provide assistance.